Farrell unveils 'new order' of airport for Gatwick

Described by Farrell as a ‘new order’ of UK airport the new designs flesh out previous concept images presented in May to Howard Davies as part of his review into airport capacity are part of a push to gain ground over Heathrow’s own proposed expansion scheme

The new Gatwick images show a central terminal and shuttle system sandwiched between the existing and proposed runways. Also included is a transport interchange; a huge single terminus for all the buses, taxis and trainlines using the airport that Farrell said would provide ‘all connectivity in one hub.’

Speaking at the launch alongside Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate, Farrell said Gatwick’s proposal for a ‘two-plus-two’ system (in which Heathrow would retain its existing two runways and Gatwick would build an extra one) would allow 170 million more passengers to fly into and from London 2050.

Farrell said his vision, which borrows heavily from the practice’s Incheon Airport scheme in Seoul, was based on a ‘fundamental belief’ in connectivity: ‘It is the networks and the integrated connectivity that really matters,’ he said.

‘This design is state-of-the art,’ Farrell added. ‘There are no ‘add ons’ and it will be an airport of international standard to compare with the best anywhere in the world,’ he added.

Wingate said an expanded Gatwick would help the UK connect to 27 more destinations than a third runway at Heathrow. He also said a second runway, as part of the network of airports surrounding London which include Birmingham, Luton, Stansted, City Heathrow, would cater for 11 million more passengers each year by 2050 than a three-runway Heathrow.

The Gatwick chief executive also announced a public consultation would begin on Farrell’s new proposals on 4 April.

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